COMING to Burnett's Hill Chapel is the family-based White Top Mountain Band.

Whitetop in Virginia is steeped in the tradition of old-time mountain music, with this band keeping alive the region's style of old-time fiddling and banjo-picking.

The award winning band has won at competitions and fiddlers’ conventions such as Fiddlers’ Grove & Galax Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention, and many others, winning well over a hundred ribbons/trophies as a band as well as individual instrument, song and dance awards.

The band originated with Albert Hash in the 1940s, a well-known and beloved fiddler and luthier. As a teenager Albert played fiddle with Henry Whitter of “Grayson & Whitter” and they were recorded during the 1920s.

Albert Hash had a great impact on the old time and bluegrass scene, he recorded Hangman’s Reel which is often played by many old time musicians today in the same style. In the 1970s, Thornton Spencer and his wife, Emily joined Albert in the Whitetop Mountain Band. They also started an old time music program at Mt. Rogers School, a small school in Whitetop, where the traditional tunes are taught to the community by ear. Emily Spencer carries on the program today where it has receives a lot of regional and national attention for its uniqueness and was nominated for a Grammy.

Expect everything from old-time fiddle/banjo instrumentals to powerful solos and harmony vocals on blues, classic country, honky tonk, traditional bluegrass numbers, old time ballads, as well as some great flat foot dancing from Martha Spencer.

One of the most popular dance bands of the Appalachian Mountains, they have a large following.

The band currently has recordings on the Arhoolie Record Label and Virginia Foundation of the Humanities, and has also been recorded by JuneAppal, Heritage as well as featuring on compilations for Rounder Records.

The band are at Burnetts Hill Chapel, Martletwy, on September 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 from Main Street Music, Pembroke, on 01646 621530 or on the door.